CELTICS UPDATE: Guard Paul Pierce already is playing, less than a month after being released from the hospital after being stabbed numerous times during a nightclub fight. He made his debut against the Chicago Bulls, scoring immediately off the opening tip. After losing the first two preseason games, the Celtics have won the past three, including an overtime game against the Washington Wizards. This is a big season for the Celtics, who expect to make the playoffs after a long dry spell.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Antoine Walker is becoming one of the best players in the Eastern Conference. He will be a good test for the Magic. The Celtics also might be the first team in the preseason to try pressing the Magic. Orlando will use some unusual lineups, playing without a true point guard or true center at times.

ETC.: The Magic will leave immediately after the game and head to Miami, where they will play Tuesday night. . . . The Magic are scoring 104.8 points per game, best in the NBA during the preseason. They also are allowing opponents to shoot just 37.8 percent, the league's second-lowest percentage. They are averaging 8.2 blocks per game. . . . This is the first of two preseason games against the Celtics. They will play in Boston on Friday night.